Columbia Global Centers | Africa is part of Columbia University’s global network of centers, which together aim to create opportunities in research, scholarship and teaching around the world, and expand Columbia's mission as a global university. Established in Nairobi in 2011, CGC Africa links the continent to Columbia’s scientific rigor, technological innovation, and academic leadership. It provides Columbia students and academics with a base from which to conduct research in and for Africa, in disciplines including sustainable development, urban planning and climate change. The Centre also works closely with policymakers, governments, and regional institutions in order to provide them with objective, science-based evidence for their pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals and the fight against global poverty. Operations span across East and Southern Africa, including support for six Millennium Village sites (MVs) in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The Millennium Villages Project (MVP) (http://www.millenniumvillages.org/index.htm) is a joint initiative between Columbia University’s Earth Institute, Millennium Promise (NGO), the United Nations, and various partner organizations. Launched in 2005, the project has been implemented in fourteen village clusters across ten African countries and reached approximately 450,000 beneficiaries. Under the MVP model, project personnel work alongside rural communities and local governments to implement a package of interventions in four sectors: health, education, infrastructure, and agriculture. The interventions were designed to help the Millennium Villages achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.
The Columbia Global Center |Africa hosts The MDG (Millennium Development Goal) Center for East and Southern Africa and also supports other agricultural projects of Columbia University in the region. One such project is the Africa Soil Information Service (AfSIS).
The position
The Columbia Global Centers|Africa is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of a Regional Agriculture Specialist to be based at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya working in East and Southern Africa and reporting directly to the Columbia Global Centers |Africa Director.
Duties and responsibilities:
In the framework of the Millennium Villages Projects, the incumbent will advise on agricultural strategies, innovations, policies and implementation as specified in the description below:
- Advise governments on the design and implementation of agricultural productivity improvement programmes, including the Millennium Villages and any other agricultural activity of The MDG Centre and The Columbia Global Centers|Africa
- Assist governments in mobilizing additional domestic and international resources in support of these programmes and their policies for agriculture development
- Facilitate high-level policy dialogue among national policy makers and development partners to advocate and support action for agriculture projects
- Synthesize relevant lessons from MVP and other programs to identify and document best practices and guidelines for wide adaptation and adoption in Africa
- Develop and nurture strategic partnerships and NGOs and other institutions that can contribute effectively to these agriculture projects
- Collaborate with national, regional and international research centers with an emphasis on exchanging information and the best available technology for improving subsistence farmer livelihoods
- Actively promote green agriculture, while balancing the practical requirements to improve yields through the use of improved seeds, fertilizer and irrigation
- In collaboration with Ministries of Agriculture and NGOs, prepare and provide training/training material in agriculture technologies and extension systems
- Support sites conduct yield estimate surveys; identify agricultural methodologies and production problems and how to overcome them
- Work with the Regional Agribusiness and Agrifinance Specialists in supporting priority crops/commodities for each site
- Collaborate with The Africa Soil Information Service (AfSIS) project (www.africasoils.net) as advised by the Director
- Implement other assignments provided by the Director
Minimum qualification and experience required for this position:
- Post-graduate qualification (MS/MA or PhD) in agriculture soil sciences or related field;
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in agriculture extension/research and/or policy;
- Work experience in more than one of the core countries;
- Success in working in cross-sectoral and multi-cultural teams;
- Excellent communication skills;
- · Creative and dynamic leader and team player.
How to apply:
The Columbia Global Centers |Africa is an equal opportunity employer offering a competitive salary and benefits package, and a collegial working environment. The contract is for an initial period of one (1) year, renewable subject to a three (3) months probation period, assessment of performance, and availability of resources. Columbia Global Centers |Africa offers a gender-aware working environment and qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply. Applicants are invited to send a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the position against the listed qualifications/competencies/skills and a detailed curriculum vitae, with names and addresses of three referees (including telephone and email addresses). Applicants should indicate “Application for the Regional Agriculture Specialist” in their applications letters and in the subject line of email submissions. All correspondence should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager, Columbia Global Centers|Africa, P. O. Box 51412, Nairobi-00100, Kenya or via email to recruitment@cgcafrica.org. Applications will be considered until 17th October 2014 or until a suitable candidate is identified and selected.
Only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.
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